Mayor Beng Climaco Friday afternoon convened the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) to discuss possible measures to mitigate adverse effects of El Niño or severe drought in the coming months.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) had earlier advised local government units to prepare for the forecasted dry spell.

Two of the most pressing concerns discussed were how the impending dry season will affect the city’s water supply as well as the agriculture sector.

According to PAGASA’s Chief Meteorological Officer Maribel Enriquez, the city is projected to experience periods of dry conditions this month but Zamboangueños will only start feeling its effects in the coming months when the drop in rainfall condition becomes more evident. She added that Zamboanga will be at its driest in February 2016 and that the condition may last until May.

The council has resolved to further explore avenues for the city government to procure much needed equipment that will aid in responding to not only El Niño related calamities but other disasters as well.

In addition, Climaco directed City Agriculturist Diosdado Palacat to closely monitor the state of the farms around the city to determine the kind of assistance that can be extended to the local farmers.

In the same meeting, the newly-created Zamboanga City Local Climate Change Council (ZCLCCC) presented its action plan for 2016-2030 which were subsequently approved by the disaster council.

The mayor likewise instructed the ZCLCCC to come up with long-term plans that will help allay the effects of weather conditions believed to be caused by global warming. — Claudine Uniana